This paper presents a first approach of a simple way to obtain vertically orientated carbon nanotubes. The used catalytic system consisted of quartz or graphite plates on which some iron solutions (of precursors such as nitrates or phthalocyanines) were deposited by simple impregnation, generating homogeneous films. After drying, the plates were submitted to reduction and reaction procedure, which consisted in acetylene decomposition at 750 degrees C during 1 h. Samples after reaction were studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, which confirmed the formation of homogeneous and vertically orientated structures of carbon nanotubes over the plates. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.